Cycling in Burnley
If you prefer a bike to a pair of walking boots then Burnley is lucky to have some excellent cycling routes, including the southern section part of the 350-mile Pennine Cycleway, the Padiham Burnley Cycle Route, the Lancashire Cycleway and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Pennine Cycleway Route 68 Burnley Section (16kms/10miles)
Download Route In Burnley the Pennine Cycleway takes you through varied landscapes; across moorland, along the old packhorse trails, through villages and down into parkland then onto the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Cycling by the side of the canal you can see a variety of waterfowl including swans, mallards and grebe, as you ride through an industrial landscape, past scenic parks and out into the countryside.
Padiham, Ightenhill, Burnley Cycle Route (7kms/4miles)
An attractive cycle route along the scenic Calder Valley which avoids the busy main roads. Going past green fields and woodland, which are home to a variety of wildlife, it is mainly rural in nature. From Padiham the route follows Grove Lane past the Trail of Words then crosses the River Calder to join a cycle path up to Ightenhill Park Lane. The route continues into the centre of Burnley via quiet roads and the canal. It is a good place to cycle with children.
Leeds and Liverpool Canal (11kms/7miles)
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a good place for traffic free cycling. The route through Burnley from Hapton boatyard to Barden Mill meanders through countryside, industrial and urban landscapes and parkland. Cyclists need to obtain a free pass from British Waterways.
Lancashire Cycleway
The Lancashire cycleway comprises two circular routes which meet in the historic village of Whalley. The southern loop which circles East Lancashire can be accesed in Burnley at Harle Syke, Worsthorne and Bacup Road.
Useful Contacts
- Burnley Council Cycling Officer
Tel. 01282 425011 ext. 2319 - LCC Cycling Officer
Tel. 01772 534609 - Sustrans
Tel. 01282 0845 113 0065 - British Waterways
Tel. 01282 456978 - CTC Burnley and Pendle
Tel. 01282 692117
In the movie The Lord of the Rings the part of Gandalf the Grey - the legendary wizard is played by Burnley born Sir Ian McKellan.



